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Where Are You Going Where Have You Been Character Analysis

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Lauren Ziegler Prof. J. Campbell English 111-09 28 February 2018 The Plot Twist Around the Bend* "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been" by Joyce Carol Oates and "Encounters with Unexpected Animals" by Bret Anthony Johnston are short stories that describe events where the characters in compromising situations. They showed how one's outlook on life can be altered once a conflict or threat is presented. While both authors appeared to have this in common, their methods allowed for two different approaches. "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" takes a focus on the main protagonist, Connie. She starts by being a confident and, in essence, care-free person who transitioned into someone who was scared and helpless. This development is directly affected by Arnold Friend, the main antagonist. At first, he addressed her in an attempt to seem like a friendly and desirable guy. This attitude changes as his intentions become more clear. …show more content…

However, this distaste that he seems to have for Robbie's significant other is not consistent with his other thoughts and what he's noticed. He wants to uphold this idea that Lisa's "no good" for his son based on her behavior and influence on him, yet nothing negative is ever openly said. For example, "Lambright couldn't figure out what she saw in his son" (Johnston 90). If he actually believed that she was the problem he would've wondered what his son saw in her instead. He appears to have an unusual fascination with Lisa that he struggles to deal

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“Smooth Talk” better known has “Where are you Going, Where Have you Been” is a short story written by author Joyce Carol Oates. Main character Connie gets herself in a complicated predicament amongst two teenage boys. Throughout the story the reader can infer all Connie’s true motives and intentions of her actions. Although this story is told through third person, the dialogue between Connie and the mystery boy are very much amusing. Joyce left readers ponder on the man’s true intentions when he visits Connie one Sunday afternoon.

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Joyce enjoys writing about the dangers of the world, such as, rape, and murder. “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” is about an insecure girl named Connie who ends up getting raped, and murdered by a “devil in disguise,” Arnold Friend. Oates uses many forms of symbolism in this short story, all associating with darkness, childhood, and religion. Joyce also uses characterization

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